During June \u00a02026, Comendador Anthony Bailey, Honorary Consul-General of His Majesty The King of Tonga to the Portuguese Republic, attended a number of National Day celebrations hosted by diplomatic missions accredited to the Portuguese Republic.<\/p>\n
National Day receptions remain among the most important events within the diplomatic calendar. They celebrate a nation’s history, identity and achievements while providing an opportunity for the diplomatic community to strengthen friendships and promote international understanding. The Kingdom of Tonga places importance on participating in these celebrations, recognising that personal relationships and informal dialogue often complement formal diplomacy and contribute significantly to the development of enduring international partnerships.<\/p>\n
Tonga – The Philippines<\/p>\n
On 18 June 2026, the Honorary Consul-General attended celebrations marking the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the 80th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Portuguese Republic. The reception was hosted by H.E. Paul Raymund P. Cortes, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Portuguese Republic, and Mrs Yasmin B. Cortes at their Official Residence in Lisbon.<\/p>\n
The proclamation of Philippine independence on 12 June 1898 marked a defining moment in the nation’s history and remains one of the country’s most important national celebrations. The reception also commemorated eight decades of diplomatic relations between Portugal and the Philippines, highlighting the longstanding friendship between the two countries and recognising the contribution made by the Filipino community to Portuguese society.<\/p>\n
The Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of the Philippines established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1980 and have since enjoyed warm and friendly relations based upon mutual respect, cooperation and shared engagement within the international community.<\/p>\n
Bilateral relations have also been strengthened through high-level diplomatic engagement. During her tenure as Tonga’s Ambassador resident in Canberra, HRH Princess Angelika L\u0101t\u016bfuipeka Tuku\u02bbaho presented her credential in 2019 the the President of The Philippines and was concurrently accredited as the Kingdom’s non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, reflecting Tonga’s commitment to strengthening its engagement with Southeast Asia and expanding cooperation with one of the region’s leading nations.<\/p>\n
The HonConsul-General expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the Ambassador and his wife and reaffirmed the Kingdom of Tonga’s continuing friendship with the Republic of the Philippines.<\/p>\n
Official website: https:\/\/lisbonpe.dfa.gov.ph<\/a><\/p>\n #TongaPhilippines #Tonga #Philippines #DiplomacyASEAN #InternationalFriendship<\/p>\n Tonga – Luxembourg<\/p>\n On 23 June 2026, the Honorary Consul-General attended celebrations marking the National Day of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg at the invitation of H.E. Marc Bichler, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the Portuguese Republic, and Dr Fran\u00e7oise Poos. The reception was held at the Ambassador’s Residence in Lisbon.<\/p>\n Luxembourg’s National Day celebrates the Official Birthday of His Royal Highness the Grand Duke and is the country’s principal national celebration. Although traditionally associated with the Sovereign, the occasion has become a celebration of Luxembourg’s national identity, constitutional monarchy and its longstanding commitment to European cooperation and international engagement.<\/p>\n The Kingdom of Tonga and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg established diplomatic relations in 2003 and have since maintained warm and friendly relations.<\/p>\n